Ukraine orders 18 modern IRIS‑T air defense systems for frontlines

Rauch said that Ukraine already operates nine IRIS‑T launchers, and the additional order will help better protect critical infrastructure and territories on the frontlines.

The CEO noted that the IRIS‑T SLM and SLS systems are considered among the most advanced stationary air defense systems in Europe. Ukraine is actively using them to protect critical infrastructure from Russian attacks, shooting down cruise missiles and drones, including Iranian-made Shahed drones.

German officials have repeatedly said that IRIS‑T is one of the most effective Western systems in Ukraine’s arsenal. Notably, IRIS‑T missiles are highly maneuverable and can hit targets both head-on and while pursuing them.

IRIS‑T modernization

Diehl Defence plans to expand production of IRIS‑T SLM and SLS systems to meet growing demand. In the medium term, production is expected to increase to 16 launchers within about two years, with up to 10 units planned for 2026.

"If we see even higher demand from our clients, we can further increase production," Rauch said.

Rauch also added that production of missiles for the IRIS‑T SLM has increased tenfold since 2021, before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and the company is ready to scale up further if additional orders come in.

Additionally, Diehl Defence is developing a new IRIS‑T SLX missile with an 80-kilometer range. According to Rauch, Germany has already expressed interest, and Egypt has placed the first order. Serial production of the IRIS‑T SLX is expected to begin in 2029.

Military aid to Ukraine

Earlier, Ukraine and Germany reached agreements worth €1.2 billion after the Ramstein meeting on December 16. The deal includes, among other things, the purchase of Ukrainian drones by Germany and Berlin financing production of 200 Bohdana self-propelled howitzers.

Overall, Ukraine’s defense needs for 2026 are estimated at $120 billion, half of which the country hopes to receive from international partners.